News

91st Missile Wing Plans 395-Mile Run to Show Dedication

8/8/2014

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In defiance of a late-night TV talk show
comedian’s ridicule of the Air Force strategic missile force, airmen from the 91st
Missile Wing are preparing to demonstrate their discipline and dedication with
a 395-mile relay run around the huge missile complex at Minot AFB, N.D. The
comedian, referring to the news stories about missileers cheating
on proficiency tests, mocked the airmen’s reportedly low morale and “not
pushing this big, beautiful, shiny, jolly red button” to launch ICMBs. In
response, SMSgt. Jason Focht, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron operations
superintendent, organized what is being called the Red Button Run. “With this
relay, we’re trying to bring the missile wing together as a whole and show
everyone what we can do if we put our minds to it,” Focht said. Over
three days, 39 teams of four airmen each will run 10-mile legs around the 8,500
square-mile Minot complex, hitting all 15 Missile Alert Facilities and several
of the surrounding towns. To bring the entire base into the endeavor, the 5th
Bomb Wing decided to hold a half marathon as the Red Button Run is ending,
which also will raise funds to support scholarships for youngsters in nearby communities. (Minot release)